Where to buy jizo statue in Japan
Japan is home to approximately 80,000 Shinto shrines and 77,000 Buddhist temples. These sacred sites are adorned with stone creations such as torii gates, guardian dogs (komainu), fox statues, stone lanterns, and Jizo figures. In most cases, these stone works are supplied, sold, and installed by local stone shops, which play a vital role in community religious and cultural life.
In particular, Buddhist stone carvings such as Jizo statues and gravestones are generally sold and installed through local stone shops upon request from temples or families. At Shinto shrines, stone shops handle the creation and installation of torii gates, komainu, and fox statues. In other words, behind every stone monument you see at shrines and temples, there is usually a local stone shop involved.
However, only a limited number of Japanese stonemasons can create highly detailed sculptures such as stone lanterns and Jizo statues. These artisans receive orders from stone shops nationwide and carve each piece by hand. Their craft requires years of training and dedication, making such works rare and authentic.
Representative Stone Producing Regions
- Okazaki, Aichi – Famous for traditional stone lanterns and Jizo statues.
- Aji, Kagawa – World-renowned Aji Stone, suitable for fine detail carving.
- Makabe, Ibaraki – Known for monuments and Buddhist stone figures.
These stonemasons produce works upon request from stone shops across Japan, ensuring quality and tradition are preserved. Japanstones.shop works exclusively with 12 contracted stonemasons from Okazaki, Aji, and other historic regions. Our unique agreement ensures that no products are sold domestically within Japan. We sell exclusively overseas, delivering authentic Japanese stone craftsmanship safely packed and shipped worldwide.
FAQ — Buying Jizo Statues from Japan
Q1. Can I buy a Jizo statue in Japan?
Yes. Jizo statues are usually available through local stone shops, which sell and install them for temples and local residents.
Q2. What are the main stone-producing regions?
Representative regions include Okazaki (Aichi), Aji (Kagawa), and Makabe (Ibaraki). Stonemasons in these areas create Jizo statues and lanterns upon request from shops. Japanstones.shop collaborates directly with these craftsmen.
Q3. Can I buy a Jizo statue at Japanese DIY centers?
Almost never. Large home improvement chains generally do not sell Jizo statues or lanterns.
Q4. Can I buy a Jizo statue on Japanese e-commerce sites?
A few sellers exist, but most do not offer international shipping. These sales are mainly limited to domestic customers.
Q5. Does Japanstones.shop sell in Japan?
No. We sell only overseas. Our platform provides authentic, handmade stone lanterns, Jizo statues, gorinto pagodas, and more, packed with protective materials and shipped internationally with tracking.
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Last updated: October 2025 (JST)